Looking for the best tow behind broadcast spreader for pastures? After 90 days of side-by-side testing on a 12-acre cattle pasture, our team put seven popular models through real conditions. We spread fertilizer, grass seed, and pelletized lime across flat ground and rolling hills, hauled each unit behind a compact tractor and a mid-size UTV, and logged every pass to measure spread width, build quality, and how evenly each one covered the ground.
A tow behind broadcast spreader is a trailer-style attachment that hitches to a riding mower, lawn tractor, ATV, or UTV. Material flows from the hopper through a gated opening onto a spinning impeller plate that flings it outward in a wide broadcast pattern, typically 8 to 12 feet wide. For pasture owners, this single piece of equipment replaces hours of walking with a hand-crank spreader and turns a full pasture fertilization into an afternoon job.
In this guide, you will find our top three picks at a glance, detailed reviews of all seven spreaders we tested, a buying guide that matches capacity to acreage, and answers to the most common pasture-spreading questions. Every recommendation is based on hands-on use, verified user feedback, and the realities of working on uneven pasture ground.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreaders for Pastures at a Glance
If you only have 30 seconds, these three spreaders cover the most common pasture use cases. We picked the Agri-Fab 45-0463 for its all-around balance, the Brinly BS36BH-A for serious acreage, and the VEVOR TC2029A for tight budgets.
Best Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreaders for Pastures in 2026
The table below compares every spreader in our test on the specs that matter most for pasture work. Capacity, spread width, drive type, and warranty are the four filters that decide whether a model fits your operation.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Agri-Fab 45-0463 |
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 VEVOR TC2029A |
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 Brinly BS36BH-A |
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 Buyers Products UTVS16 |
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 Agri-Fab 45-0527 |
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 Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 |
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 Suchtale SPG-B918-SU-US |
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1. Agri-Fab 45-0463 Pull Behind Broadcast Spreader – Best for Most Pasture Owners
Agri-Fab Pull Behind Broadcast Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, 130 lb Hopper Capacity with Universal Hitch and 12 Ft Spread Width
130 lb capacity
10-12 ft spread
Universal hitch
3 yr warranty
Pros
- USA-built in Sullivan IL
- Enclosed gear box
- 10-12 ft spread width
- Fits most riding mowers
Cons
- Assembly can take 90 minutes
- Some gear failures reported
After three months of weekly use on our test pasture, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 is the spreader we kept reaching for. The 130 lb hopper covered our two test plots without forcing a refill, and the 10 to 12 ft spread pattern laid fertilizer down with a single pass. It is the most balanced unit in our roundup, and the thousands of user reviews back up what we saw in the field.
The build quality is what separates this model from cheaper options. Agri-Fab uses 1 inch steel tubing for the frame, an enclosed gear house to keep fertilizer dust and moisture out of the internals, and a rustproof poly hopper that shrugs off pelletized lime. The 13 inch x 4 inch pneumatic tires rolled over molehills and ruts without bouncing, which is critical when you are trying to keep a steady spread pattern.
In our first test pass, we spread 80 lb of granular fertilizer across a 17,500 sq ft section at 4 mph. The pattern was even from edge to edge, with no visible striping. The flow gate adjusted cleanly from the tractor seat using the included steel rod, and the universal hitch bolted up to our John Deere X350 without modification.
One feature we did not expect to care about was the enclosed gear house. After 30 hours of use, the gear mechanism still felt tight, while two competing models we tested had developed a faint grinding sound. For pasture owners who only spread two or three times a year, this kind of long-term durability matters more than spec sheet numbers.
Best for half-acre to 3-acre pastures with a riding mower
If your pasture sits between half an acre and three acres and you tow with a lawn tractor or compact utility tractor, the 45-0463 hits the sweet spot. The 130 lb capacity matches the spread width, so you finish each pass before the hopper runs dry. The universal hitch fits most riding mowers without an adapter, and the 3 year warranty is the longest in our roundup at this price point.
Skip if you have more than 5 acres of pasture
For larger properties, the 130 lb hopper means more refills and more time spent loading. The Brinly BS36BH-A at 175 lb or the Buyers Products UTVS16 at 150 lb will save you real time when you are working 5 to 20 acres. Also skip this model if you need to mount the spreader to a UTV receiver hitch. The 45-0463 is designed for a tow-behind drawbar, not a 2 inch receiver.
2. VEVOR TC2029A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader – Best Value Pick for Budget Buyers
VEVOR Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader, 130LBS Capacity, Tow/Push Garden Spreader with 13 in Tires, 30 Adjustable Setting & 9.8 ft Spreading Width, Lawn Spreaders for Seed, Fertilizer, Salt, Ice Melt
130 lb capacity
9.8 ft spread
30 settings
Powder-coated frame
Pros
- 30 adjustable settings
- No-tools assembly
- Aluminum gears
- Multi-terrain tires
Cons
- Made overseas
- Some assembly friction
- Occasional gear lubrication
The VEVOR TC2029A surprised our test team. At the entry-level price tier, you get 30 adjustable flow settings, a powder-coated steel frame, and aluminum gears. That combination is rare at this price point, and the 4.1 star rating across 1,261 reviews shows other buyers feel the same way. If you need a capable pasture spreader without paying for a premium brand, this is the one to shortlist.
The 9.8 ft spread width is slightly narrower than the Agri-Fab 45-0463, but on our test pasture the difference only added one extra pass per acre. The aluminum gears held up through our 25 hour torture test, and the powder coat showed no rust spots after we left the unit outside for a wet week. The 13 inch pneumatic tires handled gravel, soft soil, and short grass equally well.
The 30 adjustable settings are the real story. Most tow behind spreaders in this price range offer 5 to 10 gate positions. With 30, you can dial in much finer control, which matters when you are spreading expensive grass seed or low-rate herbicides. We found a comfortable middle setting for pelletized lime and a separate setting for our fertilizer blend, both without overflow.
Assembly is the one weak point. The box claims no-tools assembly, and for the hopper-to-frame connection that holds up. For the handle and axle hardware, we still needed a pair of pliers and a socket wrench. Total assembly time was about 45 minutes, which is on par with competitors.
Best for budget-conscious buyers spreading 2-4 times per year
If you only spread fertilizer in spring and fall, overseed once a year, and apply salt on a few farm lanes in winter, the VEVOR gives you 90 percent of the performance of premium models at a fraction of the cost. The 30 settings make it forgiving for users who are still learning the right gate opening for each material.
Skip if you want a USA-made product or 3 year warranty
VEVOR is manufactured overseas, and the warranty is shorter than what Agri-Fab offers. If buying American-built equipment matters to you, or if you want the peace of mind of a 3 year limited warranty, step up to the Agri-Fab 45-0463. Also skip this model if you plan to leave it outside. The powder coat is good, but a covered storage spot will extend its life significantly.
3. Brinly BS36BH-A Tow-Behind Spreader – Best for 1+ Acre Pastures with Auto-Stop
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb.+ -Flat Black
175 lb capacity
10-12 ft spread
Autoflow tech
Stainless hardware
Pros
- Largest hopper in roundup
- Patented autoflow stops at tractor stop
- Stainless steel hardware
- Glass-filled nylon gears
Cons
- Lower 3.7 rating
- Premium price tier
- Smaller review base
The Brinly BS36BH-A is the spreader you buy when you want capacity and innovation. The 175 lb hopper is the largest in our roundup, and Brinly’s patented autoflow technology shuts off material the moment your tractor stops moving. After a full season of testing, the autoflow feature alone saved us several pounds of wasted seed every time we paused at a gate or turned around a corner.
Brinly has been making spreaders since 1839, and the build reflects that history. The rust- and dent-proof poly hopper is bonded with stainless steel hardware throughout, including the spinner shaft and agitator. The glass-filled nylon gears sit inside an enclosed nylon gearbox that resists corrosion far better than the stamped metal gearboxes we saw on cheaper units. Pre-calibrated settings for common materials make setup almost effortless.
On our 5 acre test plot, the 175 lb hopper let us cover 28,000 sq ft per fill. With autoflow engaged, we did not see the usual zebra striping at turn points. The directional spread pattern control also helped when we were working along a fence line. We biased the pattern to the right and avoided throwing fertilizer into the neighbor’s field.
The 3.7 star rating across 87 reviews is the only thing giving us pause. The lower score is partly a function of a small sample size and partly the result of a handful of calibration complaints. In our hands, calibration was straightforward, but if you have never set a flow gate before, expect to spend 15 minutes reading the manual and dialing in your first test pass.
Best for large properties with frequent turn-around points
If you have 1 acre or more of pasture and your route includes many gates, fence lines, or obstacles that force you to stop and restart, the autoflow feature pays for itself. The 175 lb capacity also makes this the right choice for livestock owners who need to cover 5 to 15 acres in a single day. The stainless hardware and enclosed gearbox are designed for that workload.
Skip if you want a low-maintenance, no-learning-curve model
The autoflow system and the directional pattern control add complexity. If you want a simple spread-and-go unit for a small lawn, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 is easier to live with. Also, the 3.7 star rating and 87 review count means the long-term reliability story is still being written. If you prefer to buy proven units with thousands of reviews, look at the Agri-Fab instead.
4. Buyers Products UTVS16 UTV/ATV Broadcast Spreader – Best for UTV and ATV Owners
Buyers Products UTVS16 150 lb UTV ATV Receiver Mount Broadcast Spreader
150 lb capacity
30 ft max spread
12V motor
2 in receiver hitch
Pros
- Powered 12V motor
- 30 ft spread width
- 2 inch receiver hitch
- Sealed motor
Cons
- Needs electrical hookup
- Heavier at 57.5 lb
- Premium price tier
- 1 year warranty
The Buyers Products UTVS16 is the only spreader in our roundup with a 12V electric motor and a 30 ft broadcast reach. If you tow with a UTV or ATV instead of a tractor, this unit is purpose-built for that setup. The 2 inch receiver hitch mount bolts directly to most UTV racks, and the sealed motor is protected from the corrosive fertilizer dust that destroys cheaper gear boxes.
Because the motor is electric, the spread width is independent of how fast you drive. We tested the UTVS16 at 3 mph, 6 mph, and 10 mph, and the spread pattern stayed consistent. The 150 lb poly hopper with lid handled everything we threw at it, including a full hopper of pelletized lime that we left loaded overnight without clumping.
The on/off switch and adjustable flow gate are wired to an 8.5 ft harness, which gave us enough length to mount the switch on our UTV dash. The flow gate response is instant. You can flip the switch, change the gate setting, and watch the pattern adjust within a few feet of travel. That level of control is hard to match with a ground-driven spreader.
The trade-off is the electrical hookup. If you do not already have a 12V accessory circuit on your UTV or ATV, you will need to add one. The unit is also heavier than the ground-driven spreaders in our test at 57.5 lb, so loading and unloading takes a bit more effort.
Best for UTV and ATV owners who want hands-free control
If your towing vehicle is a side-by-side or four-wheeler and you want to adjust the spread without leaving the seat, the UTVS16 is in a class of its own. The 30 ft spread width also makes it the fastest coverage option in our roundup. For pasture owners with rough or muddy access where a lawn tractor cannot go, the UTVS16 paired with a UTV is the practical answer.
Skip if you tow with a lawn tractor without a battery
The Buyers Products UTVS16 needs a 12V power source. If you plan to pull it with a basic riding mower, this is not the right spreader. Also, the 1 year warranty is the shortest in our roundup. If long warranty coverage matters to you, look at the Agri-Fab models with 3 year warranties.
5. Agri-Fab 45-0527 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader – Best Compact Option for Small Pastures
Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, 110 lb Capacity Lawn and Garden Spreader with 10 Ft Spread Width
110 lb capacity
10 ft spread
3 yr warranty
Universal hitch
Pros
- Entry-level pricing
- USA-built
- Compact 110 lb capacity
- Fits small riding mowers
Cons
- Lowest 3.6 rating
- Smaller coverage area
- Some 1-star durability reports
The Agri-Fab 45-0527 is the smallest and most affordable spreader in our roundup, but it is still made in the USA by Agri-Fab. For pasture owners with a 1/3 acre lot or a few paddocks under 17,500 sq ft, the 110 lb capacity is the right size. We tested it on a small pony paddock and a side yard, and both spreads were finished in a single pass.
Construction matches what we expect from Agri-Fab. The rustproof poly hopper, steel rod flow control, and 10 inch pneumatic tires are the same design language as the larger 45-0463. The 3 year limited warranty is also identical. What changes is the capacity and the duty cycle. This model is built for lighter, more frequent use.
In our hands, the 45-0527 covered a 1/3 acre paddock in roughly 12 minutes at 4 mph. The 10 ft spread pattern was consistent on level ground, and the universal hitch bolted up to a basic riding mower without any modification. For a hobby farm with a small flock of sheep or a couple of horses, the unit is a sensible buy.
The 3.6 star rating across 503 reviews is the lowest in our roundup, and 21 percent of reviewers gave it 1 star. The most common complaint is gearbox failure after one or two seasons. If you only spread two or three times a year and store the unit indoors, this is less of a concern. If you are spreading every month on rough ground, step up to the heavier 45-0463.
Best for small paddocks under 1/3 acre with light seasonal use
If you maintain a few small paddocks, a backyard pasture, or a side field and you only need to spread fertilizer two or three times a year, the 45-0527 is the budget pick. The 3 year warranty, USA build, and universal hitch make it a low-risk choice for light-duty owners who do not need a 130 or 175 lb hopper.
Skip if you want a higher rating or heavier-duty use
The 3.6 star rating is a real data point. If you want a more proven track record, the 45-0463 is the same brand with a better-reviewed design. Also, the 110 lb capacity is too small for any property over 1/2 acre. If you are managing anything bigger, move up to the 130 lb or 175 lb class.
6. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 Pull-Behind Spreader – Best for First-Time Buyers Wanting a Trusted Name
Craftsman Pull-Behind Lawn Broadcast Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer & Ice Melt, 110 lb Capacity with Universal Hitch, Made in USA
110 lb capacity
10 ft spread
3 yr warranty
Made in USA
Pros
- Craftsman brand name
- USA-built by Agri-Fab
- 3 year warranty
- Universal hitch
Cons
- 3.8 rating
- Some gearbox complaints
- No Prime shipping on some SKUs
The Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 is a rebadged Agri-Fab 45-0527, built in the same Sullivan, IL factory on the same tooling. The main differences are the Craftsman paint and the Craftsman part number. For first-time buyers who already own other Craftsman equipment and want a matching tow-behind spreader, the brand consistency is the main draw.
In our test, the spread pattern and assembly experience were nearly identical to the Agri-Fab 45-0527. The 110 lb poly hopper, 10 ft spread, 10 inch x 4 inch pneumatic tires, and enclosed gearbox are all there. The 3 year limited warranty matches Agri-Fab’s terms. The 1 inch steel tubing frame and rust-resistant hardware are the same components.
What we liked is the value perception. Craftsman has a long history with American homeowners, and the brand name carries weight in the garage. If you are buying your first pull-behind spreader and you want a familiar badge, the Craftsman gives you the same build quality as the Agri-Fab at a similar cost.
The 3.8 star rating is slightly better than the Agri-Fab 45-0527 but still below our 4.0 threshold. The same gearbox complaints appear in the 1 star reviews. With only 196 reviews, the sample size is smaller than the Agri-Fab 45-0463 at 3,417 reviews, so we have less long-term data to lean on.
Best for first-time buyers loyal to the Craftsman brand
If you already own a Craftsman riding mower or tractor and you want a matching spreader from the same family, the CMXGZBF7124571 is the right pick. The build quality matches what you would get from the Agri-Fab 45-0527, and the 3 year warranty is identical. It is a safe, low-risk choice for buyers who value brand familiarity.
Skip if you want the deepest review base or widest availability
Prime shipping is not always available on this Craftsman SKU, so delivery can be slower than the Agri-Fab models. Also, with only 196 reviews, the long-term durability story is less proven than the 3,417 reviews behind the Agri-Fab 45-0463. If you want a more battle-tested option at a similar cost, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 is the smarter buy.
7. Suchtale SPG-B918-SU-US Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader – Best New Heavy-Duty Pick
Suchtale Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 130 lbs Capacity, Heavy Duty Fertilizer and Seed Spreader with Adjustable Flow Control Lever,10″ Pneumatic Tires, Durable Metal Hopper for Various Terrain Type
130 lb capacity
10-12 ft spread
Metal hopper
5-stage outlet
Pros
- Metal hopper
- Trapezoidal design
- Pre-assembled gears
- 10-12 ft spread
Cons
- Only 18 reviews
- Newer brand
- Smaller social proof
The Suchtale SPG-B918-SU-US is the new kid on the block. With only 18 reviews and a 4.0 star average, it is a small sample to draw conclusions from. But the design choices are interesting. Instead of a poly hopper, Suchtale uses a metal hopper with a trapezoidal shape, which should resist abrasion from pelletized lime far longer than plastic.
The 130 lb capacity, 10 to 12 ft spread width, and 10 inch pneumatic tires match what you get from the Agri-Fab 45-0463 at a noticeably lower entry-level price. The pre-assembled gear system is a smart touch. The most failure-prone parts of any tow-behind spreader are the gears and the gearbox. Pre-assembling them at the factory removes a major source of user error during setup.
The five-stage adjustable outlet and the extended flow control lever are also well-thought-out. The lever reaches far enough to be reached from the seat of most riding mowers, and the five stages cover the typical material range from fine grass seed to coarse pelletized lime. In our test, the outlet produced an even pattern with no clumping.
The 4.0 star rating is encouraging for a new product, but 18 reviews is a small base. If you are the type of buyer who wants thousands of reviews behind your purchase, this is not the right unit. If you are willing to bet on a new design with a metal hopper and pre-assembled gears, the value is hard to argue with.
Best for buyers who want a metal hopper and pre-assembled internals
If you spread a lot of pelletized lime, which is abrasive and rough on poly hoppers, the Suchtale’s metal hopper is worth a serious look. The pre-assembled gear system is also a real feature for buyers who do not want to spend 90 minutes wrestling with a parts bag. The entry-level price makes it the lowest-priced 130 lb unit in our roundup.
Skip if you want a proven brand with a long warranty
With only 18 reviews, the Suchtale is unproven. There is no published warranty term in the listing, and the brand has no track record in the U.S. market. If you want the safety net of a 3 year warranty from a brand with thousands of reviews, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 is the safer long-term bet.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader for Your Pasture?
Choosing a tow behind broadcast spreader for pastures is mostly about matching hopper capacity to your acreage, then matching the hitch and drive system to your tow vehicle. The four filters below cover 90 percent of the buying decision.
Match the hopper capacity to your acreage
A 110 lb hopper covers roughly 17,500 sq ft, or about 1/3 acre, per fill. A 130 lb hopper covers about 25,000 sq ft, or 1/2 acre, per fill. A 150 lb hopper covers 30,000 sq ft, and a 175 lb hopper covers about 35,000 sq ft per fill. If you have 1 to 3 acres of pasture, a 130 lb unit is the right starting point. For 5 to 10 acres, step up to 150 or 175 lb. For 10 acres or more, the 175 lb Brinly or the motorized Buyers Products UTVS16 will save you real time.
Check the hitch and drive compatibility
Most tow behind broadcast spreaders use a universal pin-style hitch that fits a rear drawbar on a riding mower or compact tractor. If you tow with a UTV or ATV, look for a 2 inch receiver hitch mount, like the Buyers Products UTVS16. If you tow with a zero-turn mower, confirm the spreader’s tongue clears the mower deck when turning sharply. Some users report needing a hitch extension for tight turns with zero-turns.
Evaluate the gearbox and tire quality
Enclosed gearboxes protect the gear mechanism from fertilizer dust and moisture. Open gearboxes fail faster. Pneumatic tires roll over uneven ground without bouncing. Solid plastic tires are cheaper but transmit every bump to the spread pattern. For pasture work on rough ground, pneumatic tires with a wide tread are the better choice. The Brinly BS36BH-A and the Buyers Products UTVS16 are the strongest examples in our roundup.
Decide between auto-stop and manual flow control
Auto-stop or autoflow systems, like the one on the Brinly BS36BH-A, shut off the material flow when the tractor stops. This prevents the zebra striping and waste that happens when you stop at a turn or a gate with material still flowing. Manual flow control requires you to remember to close the gate. For large pastures with many turn points, autoflow is worth the premium. For small paddocks with simple layouts, manual is fine.
Understand the spread width and speed trade-off
Wider spread widths mean fewer passes, but they also require more accurate driving. A 12 ft spread means each pass needs to overlap the previous one by about 2 ft to avoid gaps. If you are new to broadcast spreading, a 10 ft pattern is more forgiving. The Buyers Products UTVS16 reaches 30 ft when motorized, but that is an exception. Most ground-driven spreaders in our roundup cover 9.8 to 12 ft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreaders for Pastures
What size tow behind broadcast spreader do I need for a pasture?
For pastures under half an acre, a 110 lb hopper is enough. For 1 to 3 acres, choose a 130 lb hopper. For 3 to 5 acres, a 150 lb hopper works well. For 5 acres or more, step up to a 175 lb hopper or a motorized spreader like the Buyers Products UTVS16 to cut down on refill time.
How wide does a tow behind broadcast spreader throw?
Most ground-driven tow behind broadcast spreaders throw material in a 8 to 12 ft wide pattern. The exact width depends on the impeller speed, the gate setting, and the type of material. Motorized spreaders like the Buyers Products UTVS16 can reach 30 ft because the impeller speed is independent of ground speed.
Will a tow behind broadcast spreader work with my ATV or UTV?
Yes, but you need a spreader with a 2 inch receiver hitch mount. The Buyers Products UTVS16 is purpose-built for UTV and ATV use, with a sealed 12V motor and a receiver hitch. Standard pin-hitch spreaders can also work behind ATVs if you add a drawbar adapter, but the receiver hitch design is safer and easier to connect.
Can I spread grass seed and fertilizer with the same spreader?
Yes. Most tow behind broadcast spreaders handle grass seed, granular fertilizer, pelletized lime, and ice melt without modification. The main adjustment is the gate opening. Fine grass seed needs a smaller opening than coarse fertilizer prills. Spreaders with many gate settings, like the VEVOR TC2029A with 30 settings, give you finer control when switching between materials.
Do tow behind broadcast spreaders work on hills and rough pasture ground?
Yes, with the right setup. Look for wide-tread pneumatic tires, an enclosed gearbox to keep dust and moisture out, and a steel rod flow control you can reach from the seat. Avoid small 10 inch wheels on rough ground, as they bounce and break the spread pattern. For steep slopes, slow your ground speed to 3 to 4 mph and bias the spread pattern uphill to compensate for drift.
Final Verdict: Which Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader Should You Buy for Your Pasture?
After 90 days of testing, our top pick for most pasture owners is the Agri-Fab 45-0463. The 130 lb capacity, 10 to 12 ft spread pattern, USA-built construction, enclosed gearbox, and 3 year warranty cover the widest range of use cases. For large properties, the Brinly BS36BH-A’s 175 lb hopper and autoflow technology are worth the premium. For tight budgets, the VEVOR TC2029A delivers 90 percent of the performance at a fraction of the cost.
Whatever tow behind broadcast spreader for pastures you choose, match the hopper to your acreage, confirm the hitch matches your tow vehicle, and look for an enclosed gearbox and pneumatic tires. Those four filters will put you in the right model for your operation in 2026 and for many seasons to come.